Inglenook Rubicon 2018 (OWC 6)

Description

By Jeb Dunnuck in 2021 (JD95)

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Rubicon is based on a blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It’s a more backward, closed wine, offering classy notes of crème de cassis, lead pencil shavings, freshly crushed stone, and cedar. More medium to full-bodied and elegant, I’d like to see a touch more density and richness on the mid-palate, but it’s beautifully balanced, has gorgeous tannins, integrated acidity, and outstanding length on the finish. Give this classic, impressive, old school beauty 4-5 years in the cellar and enjoy over the following 15-20.

By Wine Advocate in 2020 (WA94)

A blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Rubicon sports a deep garnet-purple color and expressive notes of mocha, tapenade, grilled meats and cedar with a core of creme de cassis, baked plums and blackberry pie plus a waft of garrigue. The full-bodied palate has tons of juicy black fruit layers, supported by fine-grained tannins and oodles of freshness, finishing long and fragrant.

By Vinous in 2022 (AG94)

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is packed with inky dark fruit, chocolate, spice, new leather and licorice. Racy and voluptuous to the core, the 2018 is very easy to enjoy today. It will be even better in a few years’ time, once the aromatics open a bit more. It’s great to see the 2018 has the same mid-palate volume it had as a barrel sample, prior to bottling. This is a terrific showing.

By James Suckling in 2020 (JS97)

Subtle and complex red with blackberry, black truffle, sweet tobacco and mahogany. Highlights of lavender and violets. Full-bodied and very tight with finesse and tension. Very polished, fine tannins. Long finish. Delicious already, but best after 2022.